Bridge Of Cultures Japanese And American Traditions Meet At Morikami Museum.

February 16, 1992|By BETH FEINSTEIN-BARTLE, Special to the Sun-Sentinel

Before visitors can step inside the Morikami Museum in Delray Beach, they must first take off their shoes.

For those unfamiliar with the Japanese tradition of removing one`s shoes before entering a home, this request might seem a bit strange. But Morikami officials say it`s part of helping bridge the gap between East and West.

``Japanese and American customs are so different,`` said Martha Rosenquist, a volunteer who lives in Coconut Creek. ``It`s almost like being in another world.``

The Morikami was established in 1977 and, according to director Larry Rosensweig, it is the only museum in the United States entirely dedicated to promoting Japanese culture and history.

The building was designed to resemble a Japanese home. In it, there are seven exhibit rooms, an office and a gift shop.

Displays range from depictions of current lifestyles such as the family bath -- called a furo -- to photographs showing the history of early Japanese settlers in Palm Beach County.

Children might be especially interested in seeing a typical boy`s bedroom with its baseball poster and futon bedding, or banging a taiko drum.

The museum also has revolving exhibits. The current show, ``Japanese Forms in Wood,`` will be on display through March 15. An exhibit on Samurai warriors opens March 31.

Festivals, guided tours and workshops are also offered.

About 100,000 people visit the grounds annually.

One of the largest events of the year is its Hatsume Fair, which will be held next weekend. Hatsume means first bud of the new year. The celebration is expected to attract between 10,000 and 15,000 people.

More than 70 exhibitors will take part in the festival, including musicians, artists, dancers and food vendors. Admission is $4 for adults. Those under 18 are admitted free.

The three-acre tract includes a pond filled with Japanese carp, nature trails, a waterfall, a bonsai collection and picnic tables.

Perry Simon likes to bring a big bag of bread crumbs so her 3-year-old granddaughter, Ilyssa, can feed the fish.

``It`s beautiful out here,`` said Simon, of Boynton Beach. ``She can run around and I don`t have to worry about her safety.``

Sue Marr, of Fort Lauderdale, said she enjoys the peace and quiet. She frequently visits the grounds with her two grandchildren and their mother.

``It`s the perfect place for a family picnic,`` Marr said.

IF YOU GO

WHERE: The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens are at 4000 Morikami Park Road in Delray Beach.

WHEN: The grounds are open daily, except Monday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

ADMISSION: Free, except on festival days. Museum visitors are requested to make a donation. The suggested admission is $2 for adults and 50 cents for children.

FOOD: In the gardens, picnic tables are available. There are no barbecue grills, however. Families are advised to bring a cold lunch.

ACTIVITIES: In addition to its revolving exhibits, permanent displays and gardens, the Morikami offers festivals, family programs and workshops on a regular basis.

EVENTS: One of the largest events of the year is its Hatsume Fair, on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 22 and 23. Hatsume means first bud of the new year. Admission is $4 for adults. Those under 18 are admitted free. Other upcoming events are the museum`s monthly family programs on March 14 and April 11. Activities begin at 10 a.m. The March 14 session will show participants how to make a Japanese fighting kite. On April 11, families can learn kirigami, the Japanese art of paper cutting.